Autism Speaks

April 15, 2008

Founded: 2005

Mission:To increase awareness of autism spectrum disorders; to fund research into the causes, prevention, and treatments for autism; and to advocate for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.

About the Organization:Autism Speaks was founded by Bob Wright, vice chairman of General Electric and former CEO of NBC, and his wife, Suzanne — grandparents of a child with autism. The organization merged with the Autism Coalition for Research and Education in 2005, the National Alliance for Autism Research in 2006, and Cure Autism Now in 2007. Today, it is now the nation's largest private funder of autism research, making grants of $30 million last year alone, and is one of the world's largest autism advocacy organizations, with chapters in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Web Site:The Autism Speaks Web site features a video glossary of more than a hundred video clips that show the subtle differences between typical and delayed development in young children, a guide to treatments, and information about teens and adults with autism. The site also provides many resources for families, including local services listed by state.

Funding:Autism Speaks is supported by individuals, corporations, and foundations.